School breaks are coming! Don’t let the break sneak up on you with no plans. Torly Travels can plan your last minute mini trips as well as your full on vacations. In part II, we will feature ideas for trips lasting 3-5 days and one week or more. In Part I, out last week, we featured some ideas for one day trips and overnight/ weekend trips. Here are a few unique ideas that you may not have considered if you have 3 days or more.
**For the purposes of these two posts, lets assume you live in the Northeast, it’s winter and you want to travel within the USA.
If you have 2-3 days:
- The Outer Banks, NC – Maybe a bit sleepy off season, but the Outer Banks is a great short trip. We frequent the northern town of Duck, NC because we have a friend there that owns 6 properties (4 of which are for rent here). Fun for the beach in season, and biking/exploring off season, these enormous homes sleep a minimum of 12, have elevators, and are perfect for a group with lots of on site entertainment. Kitty Hawk, home of Wilbur & Orville Wright, is just a short drive away. Pro tip: Rent Starry Starry Night and it comes with a private screening room!
- Nashville or New Orleans – Both big music towns, these two cities are a great excuse for a 3 day getaway. In Nashville, don’t miss the Grand Ol Opry and the The Country Music Hall of Fame. If you are not new to New Orleans, try the ghost tour in the French Quarter or a Swamp Tour in the Bayou. Pro tip: Flattening pennies on the tracks of the streetcar is entertaining for adults and kids plus bonus FREE souvenirs!
- Anguilla – Need a little beach R&R? We love Anguilla for the white velvety sand, turquoise blue water and incredible food. Not the easiest island to get to, Anguilla remains both laid back and upscale all at the same time. Because flights aren’t direct, the crowds are limited. There are no cruise ships, casinos, or high rise hotels. While Cap Juluca and CuisinArt are the top two resorts on the island and do not disappoint, there are plenty more reasonably priced places to stay, and you really can’t go wrong on the island at all. Be sure to at least have a meal at either of these amazing places! Pro tip: While most people fly to San Juan and transfer there to arrive in Anguilla, consider this alternative: Fly direct to St. Maarten and then take the public ferry 7 miles across the ocean to arrive in Anguilla by boat.
If you have a full week (or more):
- Coast of CA -A spring break trip up (or down) the coast of CA is one of our favorite trips to plan. There is so much to see along the way and the ride itself is thrilling. If you are traveling with kids, they will never ask “Are we there yet?” Some of America’s best kitsch can be experienced along the way. A stay overnight (or even just a meal) at the Madonna Inn is a must. This trip can be done in 4 days but is really best in 7-10 days. Pro tip: If you don’t like heights and hairpin turns, drive the coast from the South to the North so you are on the side of the road closest to the mountain.
- Hawaii – Living on the East Coast, Hawaii seems like such a longshot because of the flight. We went to Oahu last year and the direct 10 hour flight from NY to Honolulu was really not bad at all! The kids loved to have an excuse to spend several uninterrupted hours on their devices. Our stay in Oahu was magical. We loved exploring the island with Massimo from MSH Hawaii Tours. He took us on several full day excursions specializing in the non touristy Hawaii! Pro tip: Honolulu is loaded with crowds. Stay on the North Shore.
- The Grand Canyon – We haven’t yet been but it’s high on our list. In fact, we are working on a trip there for a client now and can’t wait to get there ourselves. One thing I have learned in my research is, it’s all about location. You would have to be blind not to see the canyon from any point and not be thoroughly impressed, but we are working on a plan that will allow us to see it with fewer crowds. Pro tip: Top your trip off with a several day boat tour through the canyon for a lifetime memory!
Can we help you plan your Spring Break? Contact us here!